Member roles in parliament

A member of the government or opposition who is not a Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, Shadow Minister or presiding officer. The term refers to the benches on which they sit in the chamber, as the front row tends to be reserved to members with additional responsibilities. 

A member who is not a member of the Government or Opposition. Crossbenchers may be independents or from minor parties.

The party or coalition of parties with the support of the majority of members of the Legislative Assembly. The Government is responsible for developing and enacting policy for New South Wales and creating or updating the laws of the state.

A member of the Government who is given responsibility for a Government portfolio and relevant department. Ministers can come from either House of Parliament.

The party or coalition of parties with the greatest number of non-Government members in the Legislative Assembly.

A Government member appointed by the Premier to assist or perform functions on behalf of a Minister. Parliamentary Secretaries can act as a Minister in certain situations in the House.

The leader of the Government in New South Wales. The Premier is always a member of the Legislative Assembly.

The Presiding Officer of the Legislative Council. The President presides over and keeps order during the sittings of the Council, and oversees the administration of the Parliament. The President is elected by the members of the Legislative Council and must act in an independent and impartial manner.

A member selected to preside over the sittings in their House and oversee the administration of the Parliament. Each House of Parliament has one Presiding Officer. The Speaker is the Presiding Officer in the Legislative Assembly, and the President is the Presiding Officer in the Legislative Council.

Any member who is not a Minister or Presiding Officer.

A member of the Opposition with the responsibility of "shadowing" or closely scrutinising the actions of a particular Government Minister. Shadow Ministers hold their equivalent Minister to account and may present alternative policies to those of the Government.

The Presiding Officer of the Legislative Assembly. The Speaker presides over and keeps order during the sittings of the Assembly, and oversees the administration of the Parliament. The Speaker is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly and must act in an independent and impartial manner.

A member who is responsible for organising members of their party to take part in debates and votes, and who helps arrange the business of the House.